Bearcat

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈbɛɚˌkæt/

Definitions

1. A rare mammal with a distinctive appearance, native to Southeast Asia, it is known for its long tail and arboreal habits, often residing in forests, while also being called a binturong and emitting a scent similar to buttered popcorn
2. A unique animal indigenous to Southeast Asia, featuring a bushy tail and a preference for tree-dwelling, it is also referred to as a binturong and recognized for its smell resembling popcorn
3. This unusual species, found primarily in forested areas of Southeast Asia, possesses a long, furry tail and has the nickname binturong, while its scent is akin to that of buttered popcorn

Etymology: The binturong's English name is a plain compound: "bear" plus "cat," a nickname that describes the animal's looks rather than its family. It is a bearlike body covered in coarse black fur, with a long prehensile tail, and it is more closely related to civets than to either bears or cats. The "bear" half points to its heavy build and shuffling walk, while the "cat" half points to its climbing habits and its small, rounded ears and face. The name is sometimes applied loosely, which is why a single animal can carry several labels. The word "binturong" is the older and more widely used name, borrowed from a Malay word for the animal, and the two names are used interchangeably in English. Its strong musky scent, which many people compare to buttered popcorn, is produced by scent glands and is one reason the animal stands out in descriptions.

Synonyms: binturong